Mr Ekniti says the 15% tariff is expected to boost exports, particularly in the short term during the 150-day period in which the measure remains in effect. The latest US tariff measures, which impose a uniform 15% import tariff on goods worldwide, is seen as a positive signal for the Thai economy and is expected to help push Thailand's GDP growth above 2%, says caretaker finance minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas. Previously, Thai products faced import tariffs as high as 19%, while competing countries such as Singapore were subject to tariffs of only 10%," said Mr Ekniti. Danucha Pichayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council, said the 15% import tariff applied to all countries places every nation on the same level playing field. However, he warned that the US still has other trade-restrictive instruments, including the ability to raise import tariffs on specific products.

Source: Bangkok Post February 23, 2026 22:50 UTC